5 Reasons Chris Evans’ Human Torch Return Is Heating Up The MCU Multiverse

The question of Chris Evans’ return to the Marvel universe has been a constant source of speculation since the dramatic conclusion of the Infinity Saga, but the focus has shifted dramatically. As of December 2025, the latest buzz isn't about him picking up Captain America's shield again; it’s about him igniting the screen as the Human Torch, the fiery hero he played in the original 2005 and 2007 *Fantastic Four* films. With the Multiverse Saga in full swing, the possibility of seeing Evans as Johnny Storm once more is no longer just a fan fantasy—it's a very real, and increasingly rumored, prospect for upcoming MCU blockbusters.

The unique position of Chris Evans having played two separate, major Marvel characters—the cocky, charismatic Johnny Storm and the morally upright, iconic Steve Rogers—makes his potential comeback a fascinating narrative opportunity for Marvel Studios. The actor himself has been surprisingly vocal about his preference for reprising the role that predates his global fame, fueling a fresh wave of excitement among fans who feel the original Human Torch "didn't really get his day."

Chris Evans: A Tale of Two Marvel Heroes (Biography & Original Run)

Christopher Robert Evans, born June 13, 1981, in Boston, Massachusetts, is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable leading men. His career is inextricably linked to Marvel Comics, but his journey to becoming a global superstar involved a crucial, often-overlooked first step into the superhero genre.

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• Full Name: Christopher Robert Evans
• Born: June 13, 1981 (Age 44 as of December 2025)
• Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
• First Major Marvel Role: Johnny Storm / The Human Torch
• Fantastic Four Films: Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
• Original Co-Stars: Ioan Gruffudd (Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic), Jessica Alba (Sue Storm/Invisible Woman), and Michael Chiklis (Ben Grimm/The Thing).
• Second Major Marvel Role: Steve Rogers / Captain America (2011–2019)
• Key Non-Marvel Roles: Curtis in Snowpiercer, Ransom Drysdale in Knives Out, Buzz Lightyear in Lightyear (Voice).

Evans first burst onto the superhero scene in 2005 as the brash, immature, and fun-loving Johnny Storm, a character known for his catchphrase "Flame On!" The films, produced by 20th Century Fox before the Disney merger, were commercially successful but received mixed critical reviews, often criticized for not fully capturing the depth of the Fantastic Four comic book lore. Evans, however, was widely praised as the standout performance, bringing a necessary energy and charisma to the team. This early experience was vital, setting the stage for his eventual, more iconic, role as Captain America, a part he was initially hesitant to take due to the massive commitment.

5 Reasons Why The Human Torch Could Be Chris Evans' Next Marvel Role

The idea of Chris Evans returning as the Human Torch is one of the most exciting rumors circulating the MCU's Multiverse Saga. Here are the five compelling reasons why this comeback is not only possible but increasingly likely.

1. The Multiverse Makes It Canonically Possible

The Multiverse Saga, established by shows like *Loki* and films like *Spider-Man: No Way Home* and *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness*, provides the perfect narrative loophole for Evans' return. Since the original *Fantastic Four* films exist in a separate continuity (Earth-121698 in the Marvel Multiverse), his Johnny Storm is a distinct variant from the MCU's main timeline. This means his appearance would not contradict his retirement as Captain America (Steve Rogers) on Earth-616. He could appear in a cameo, a supporting role, or even a major capacity, without confusing the established MCU timeline. This allows the studio to capitalize on the nostalgia of the Fox-era Marvel films.

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2. Chris Evans Has Expressed a Strong, Recent Desire to Return

Unlike his guarded answers about returning as Captain America, Evans has been surprisingly open and enthusiastic about reprising the Human Torch. In recent interviews, he stated unequivocally that he "would love" to play Johnny Storm again. He added that he feels the character "didn't really get his day," suggesting a genuine desire to give the character a more satisfying send-off or a new, more impactful story arc. This public interest from a major star is a powerful signal that Marvel Studios is unlikely to ignore.

3. The Original Cast is Primed for Multiversal Cameos

The MCU has already demonstrated a willingness to bring back beloved actors from non-MCU Marvel films, such as Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man variants. This sets a precedent for the entire original *Fantastic Four* cast—Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Michael Chiklis, and Julian McMahon—to make an appearance. Evans' return as the Human Torch could be the entry point for a full-scale nostalgic reunion, potentially in a massive crossover event like *Avengers: Doomsday* or *Avengers: Secret Wars*, which are expected to heavily feature Multiversal characters.

4. Rumors Point to an Appearance in the New Fantastic Four Film

Speculation is rampant that the new MCU film, *Fantastic Four: First Steps*, which will introduce the main timeline's version of the team, could feature a cameo from Evans’ Human Torch. While one rumor suggested an early idea for a post-credits scene involved Evans as a different variant, Nomad, coming to warn the team, the very discussion highlights that his involvement is actively on the minds of Marvel executives and writers. A brief, fun appearance as Johnny Storm could serve as a perfect Multiversal nod, passing the torch (literally) to the new actor playing the character in the MCU's main universe.

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5. The Opportunity for a Lighthearted Role is Appealing

After the immense dramatic weight and emotional conclusion of Captain America's arc, returning to the more carefree, slightly arrogant, and comedic role of Johnny Storm would be a refreshing change for Evans. The Human Torch is inherently a more lighthearted character than Steve Rogers, allowing Evans to have fun with the role without the pressure of leading an entire cinematic universe. This lower-stakes, high-fun return is likely more appealing to the actor and would provide a necessary injection of humor into the Multiverse Saga's often-serious storyline.

The Future: Human Torch in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars

While a cameo in *Fantastic Four: First Steps* is a strong possibility, the biggest potential for Chris Evans’ Human Torch lies in the upcoming *Avengers* films. The Multiverse Saga is building toward a massive confrontation, likely adapting elements of the *Secret Wars* storyline from the comics, which involves heroes from various realities converging.

A return in *Avengers: Doomsday* or *Avengers: Secret Wars* would allow Evans' Johnny Storm to team up with, or even fight against, his own variant, Captain America. This kind of meta-narrative storytelling is exactly what the MCU has embraced in its current phase. Imagine the dynamic: the hot-headed, fame-seeking Human Torch interacting with the wise, retired Captain America. The contrast between the two characters, both played by the same globally recognized actor, would be a monumental moment in cinematic history.

Ultimately, the stars—the Multiverse, the actor’s expressed interest, and the appetite for nostalgia—have aligned perfectly. Chris Evans may have closed the book on Captain America, but the flame for his first Marvel hero, the Human Torch, is ready to be reignited.